Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the
economic and community development challenges and
opportunities associated with abandoned and dilapidated
structures in West Virginia.

Whereas, Abandoned and dilapidated residential and commercial
structures have negative impacts on local property values and
property tax revenue, create increased local expenditures for
additional protection and maintenance and serve as health and
safety hazards to local communities; and

Whereas, Communities have found that abandoned and vacant
buildings create areas for crime and drug activity; and

Whereas, Census data revealed a 41%-increase in vacant
structures in West Virginia between 1990 and 2011; and

Whereas, Increased recruitment of local, regional and national
business opportunities relies on maintaining clean, attractive and
safe communities; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study the economic and community development
challenges and opportunities associated with abandoned and
dilapidated structures in West Virginia; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2014, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with
dratfts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its
recommendations; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.